The (40-18) Houston Rockets of the Western Conference Southwest Division are in the “BIG EASY” for a Divisional matchup. Houston takes on the (23-34) New Orleans Pelicans also of the Western Conference Southwest in 2017 NBA action.

Tip-off is 8:05 PM EST. The game is on Thursday. February 23, 2017. The teams will play at the Smoothie King Center in downtown New Orleans, Louisiana.

The best Sports Handicapper believes the Houston Rockets overachieved in the first half of the season. Can the Rockets continue their winning ways as the second half begins?

The New Orleans Pelicans acquired another force in the post. DeMarcus “Boogie” Cousins is now playing for his home state team.

The Opening Betting Line has the New Orleans Pelicans as a Three Point Home Favorite Against The Point Spread. The Betting Odds Total is 227-Points for Thursday’s contest.

The Houston Rockets lost to the Miami Heat in front of their home crowd before the 2017 NBA ALL Star break.

Houston still has the third-best record in the Western Conference and are second in the Southwest division. Houston is 7-4 vs. Divisional opponents this season and 19-11 on the road.

The Rockets own a three-game winning streak over Thursday’s opponent.

First Year Rockets head coach Mike D’Antoni is doing a masterful job with “SUPERSTAR” James Harden moving him to the Point Guard position.

The Arizona State University Alumni are the front runner for the league Most Valuable Players this season.

Also two-guard, Eric Gordon, who won the 3-Point contest is having his best year as a pro.

Houston is the second highest scoring team in the NBA and acquired another scoring threat, Lou Williams comes to the team from the Los Angeles Lakers.

The key to a Houston victory is to make open shots from the perimeter and defend the post.

Bovada.Lv, list the Houston Rockets at +700 to win the 2017 NBA Western Conference Championship.

The 2017 New Orleans Pelicans have won three of their last four both straight up and to the Number.

New Orleans is next to last in the Southwest Division and will probably miss the postseason.

Things are looking up for basketball in the “BIG EASY” with DeMarcus Cousins wearing a Pelicans uniform.

Head Coach Alvin Gentry must communicate with the former Sacramento Kings All-Star.

Cousins, labeled as uncoachable, and Gentry can become a hero by finding common ground with the talented big man.

Former Kentucky Wildcats star Anthony Davis won the MVP of the All-Star game and can also become a fixture by working with his former UK alumni.

The Pelicans are going to be tough to defend in the post wit the two seven footers who can put the basketball on the floor and dominate inside.

Coaches in the Western Conference are probably pulling their hair out. The key to a New Orleans victory is to play inside out basketball and feed the post.

Bovada.Lv, list the 2017 New Orleans Pelicans at +35,000 to win the Western Conference Southwest Division Title.